(Send comments to disaster@rollanet.org)

1. In order to perform the duties of an MRC, it is suggested that there be three tiers of volunteers, specifically:

Tier 1, Core Cadre: 4-6 licensed professionals from the following groups:

• Public health professional/administrator
• Physician
• Mental health professional
• Registered nurse or advanced practice nurse
• Emergency medical responder

Tier 2, Core Staff: 4-6 licensed professionals from the following groups:

• Public health professionals
• Physicians and specified para-professionals
• Mental health professionals including LCSWs
• Nurses including LPNs
• Paramedics and EMTs

Tier 3, Volunteer Staff: 30-40 community members willing to work in a support capacity in the event of activation of the MRC.

2. Because of licensing and confidentiality issues and because of the current legal environment relative to organized volunteer emergency activities, it is necessary for those who are willing to volunteer at Tier 1 or Tier 2 to be willing to undergo a background check. Volunteers at Tier 3 may, depending on their duties, need a background check.

3. The Tier 1 and 2 professionals, along with MRPC and PCDC will create a needs assessment and identify resources that can be used to fill gaps in the event of a major catastrophe. Most importantly, we must create an inventory of skills and duties that can be effectively performed by volunteers.

4. Training of the Tier 3 volunteers will include basic disaster training and other appropriate training conducted by the Phelps/Pulaski County Chapter of the American Red Cross. MRPC will keep the MRC informed of other training opportunities that come to their attention.

5. In order to give the MRC a continuing purpose, the Phelps County Health Department and the core cadre/staff will identify non-emergency/preventive projects that can involve the Tier 3 volunteers. Examples include, but are not limited to, public health clinics (vaccinations, flu shots), public education projects and public health screenings.

6. The MRC will work with MRPC to expedite the passage of a law in the state of Missouri that would give legal shelter to those who respond as a member of an organized group in the event of a major catastrophe. This protection would be similar to that offered to individual citizens responding as "Good Samaritans."

7. The scope of services provided by the MRC will be as broad or as narrow as the Core Cadre/Core Staff decides, and will depend on the number and skills of volunteers at all three levels.

8. The MRC will be a functioning subcommittee housed within the Phelps-Maries County Health Department. Seventy percent of such committees nationwide are housed in public health agencies. As such, they are qualified to receive grants and gifts as a public/charitable organization.

9. Once a scope of work has been identified, it will be necessary to determine an annual budget to include the consideration of at least a .5 FTE to manage the volunteer base. Ongoing funding sources – Citizen Corps grants, United Way – must be considered.

10. The service area will be Phelps County, MO.